The weather event that began last week has changed our communities forever. State and local officials and meteorologists are using adjectives like "unprecedented", "horrendous", "catastrophic".

Major flooding has occurred in several parishes including East Baton Rouge, Livingston, Ascension, Tangipahoa and St. James. To my knowledge at least five BRAS members have gotten water in their homes; these situations range from "need new carpet" to "almost complete loss". At least two of those members also lost vehicles.

After this horrendous weather event there may be many in the local area who either want to part with astronomical equipment, or who need assistance repairing damaged equipment. There is a For-Sale section of the BRAS Forum. Of course, this is a local webpage. There may be national sites that may increase the chance of a “hit” but since I don’t buy on the internet I can’t make recommendations.

Opportunities for repair assistance are a little more involved. If the equipment is non-electronic the owner can bring it to HRPO on a Friday from 5pm to 7pm, a Saturday from 6pm to 7:30pm or during a BRAS meeting (second Mondays of the month from 6pm to 9pm). If the equipment is electronic the owner should arrive only during the BRAS meetings. In either case the owner should call HRPO at 768-9948 to alert personnel of a visit. If the above times do not work for the owner personnel might be able to set up an alternate appointment but I can’t guarantee anything.

Very few of us did not have a family member, friend or property directly affected by this devastating event. WAFB Chief Meteorologist Jay Grymes will speak at the Highland Road Park Observatory on Friday 21 October at 7:30pm. He will summarize the flood stage and rain amount estimates and explain whether we should be wary of another such event in the near future. The talk has free admission and is aimed at a general adult audience.

Don't forget the presentation "The August Flood--How Rare is Rare?" tomorrow at 7:30pm. After the talk there will be sky viewing. Below is the current NOAA forecast for 9pm Friday...precipitation potential, 0%sky cover, 0%relative humidity, 60%temperature, 15˚Csurface wind, N 13 km/h

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